Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Blake Snell
Discover the career path of Blake Snell, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Blake Snell is a professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Prior to joining the Dodgers, he played for the Tampa Bay Rays, San Diego Padres, and San Francisco Giants in Major League Baseball (MLB).
2011: Drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays
In 2011, Blake Snell was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the first round of the Major League Baseball draft. He signed with the Rays for a $684,000 bonus and debuted with the Gulf Coast Rays, achieving a 1-2 record with a 3.08 ERA in 11 games.
2012: Season with the Princeton Rays
In 2012, Blake Snell played with the Princeton Rays, achieving a 5-1 record and a 2.09 ERA in 11 starts.
2013: Season with the Bowling Green Hot Rods
In 2013, Blake Snell played with the Bowling Green Hot Rods, achieving a 4-9 record and a 4.27 ERA in 23 starts.
2014: Promotion to Charlotte Stone Crabs and No-Hitter
In 2014, Snell was promoted to the Charlotte Stone Crabs in May. On August 2, he pitched a rain-shortened no-hitter against the Daytona Cubs, marking the first no-hitter in Stone Crabs history.
2015: Rise Through Minor League System
In 2015, Snell was promoted from the Stone Crabs to the Montgomery Biscuits and later to the Durham Bulls, achieving a 15-4 record with a 1.41 ERA. He was also named the USA Today Minor League Pitcher of the Year.
April 23, 2016: Major League Debut
On April 23, 2016, Blake Snell made his major league debut at Yankee Stadium, allowing a run off a wild pitch but calming down to strike out the side in the second inning. His first major league strikeout was Brian McCann.
2016: Season with Durham Bulls
In 2016, Snell began the season with the Durham Bulls, making 12 starts and achieving a 3-5 record with a 3.29 ERA before being promoted to the major leagues.
2016: MLB Debut with the Rays
In 2016, Snell made his MLB debut with the Tampa Bay Rays, a significant milestone in his career.
2017: Demotion and Recall
In 2017, Snell struggled initially, leading to a demotion to Durham on May 13. He was later recalled on June 28 and finished the season with a 5-1 record and a 3.31 ERA.
2018: Tied AL Record
In 2018, Snell tied an AL record by striking out the first seven batters he faced in a game against the Seattle Mariners on June 3.
2018: Cy Young Award and All-Star Selection
In 2018, Snell won the American League Cy Young Award, was selected as an All-Star, and led the league in wins and earned run average (ERA), highlighting a successful season.
March 21, 2019: Signed Five-Year Contract
On March 21, 2019, Snell agreed to a five-year, $50 million contract to stay with the Rays, marking a significant financial commitment from the team.
December 29, 2020: Traded to the San Diego Padres
On December 29, 2020, the Rays traded Snell to the San Diego Padres in exchange for several prospects and a catcher, marking a significant change in his career.
2020: Postseason Performances and World Series Controversy
In 2020, Snell started multiple postseason games, including the World Series. His Game 6 removal sparked controversy after pitching a shutout, leading to the Dodgers winning the game and the series.
2021: Traded to the Padres
Before the 2021 season, Snell was traded from the Tampa Bay Rays to the San Diego Padres, marking a change in his MLB career.
2022: Interrupted Season and Postseason Starts
In 2022, Snell's season preparations were interrupted, and he later returned to the starting rotation on May 18. He made three postseason starts for the Padres.
2023: Outstanding Season and Cy Young Award
In 2023, Snell had an outstanding season with a 14-9 record, a 2.25 ERA, and 234 strikeouts. On November 15, he won the NL Cy Young Award for the second time in his career.
2023: Second Cy Young Award
In 2023, Snell won his second Cy Young Award, solidifying his status as an elite pitcher in Major League Baseball.
2023: End of Contract with Rays
In 2023, Snell's five-year contract with the Rays concluded, leading him to explore other opportunities in baseball.
March 19, 2024: Signed with the San Francisco Giants
On March 19, 2024, Snell signed a two-year, $62 million contract with the San Francisco Giants that included an opt-out after the first year.
April 8, 2024: Debut with the Giants
On April 8, 2024, Snell made his debut with the San Francisco Giants against the Washington Nationals, pitching in three innings and allowing three earned runs, taking the loss.
November 1, 2024: Opted Out of Contract with Giants
On November 1, 2024, Snell opted out of his contract with the Giants, becoming a free agent and seeking new opportunities in his career.
November 30, 2024: Signed Contract with Los Angeles Dodgers
On November 30, 2024, Snell signed a five-year contract worth $182 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers, including a $52 million signing bonus and a conditional $10 million option for 2030, marking a significant deal in his career.
2024: Signed with the Giants
In 2024, Snell signed with the San Francisco Giants, marking another transition in his MLB career.
2030: Contract Option Year
In 2030, Snell has a conditional $10 million option with the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking a potential extension of his contract.
